Generally, the Bulgarian legislation concerning foreign citizens is
in compliance with the EU regulations related to immigration policy.
The Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Foreign Nationals
Act (passed in 1998), the Regulation on the Application of the
Foreign Nationals Act and the Ordinance on Issuing Visas regulate
the legal status of foreign nationals in Bulgaria.
When Bulgaria joined the European union on 1 January 2007, foreigners
are now considered all persons who are not citizens of any of the
member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area and
the Swiss Confederation (hereinafter referred to as European
citizens).
European Union citizens do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria. They
enter and leave the country with an identity card or a passport.
They can stay and reside in Bulgaria for a period up to three months
starting from the date of their first entry without need to obtain
any permits or certificates.
The foreign nationals whose status is governed by the Foreign
Nationals Act must obtain a visa before entering in Bulgaria unless
they are subject to visa waiver agreements.
Foreign citizens may work in Bulgaria only after obtaining a work
permit, unless otherwise stipulated by the law. The bases for
obtaining a work permit are an employment contract, or a business
trip to undertake certain activities.
"Nazdrave" is a keyword in Bulgaria. When sitting on a table, people raise
their glasses
and
lightly
clink
it
with
all
the
others
present,
while
looking
the
people
with
you
in
the
eye
(to
not
look
them
in
the
eye
is
rude)
and
saying,
(naz
drave) (good health to you).
